Hostel-type rooms require BYOT (bring your own towel or rent one); bedding supplied, as are lockers. No phones (two pay phone), no a/c. Everyone gets a continental breakfast. Every time we review this place it has changed. They seem to want to be all things to all people in the budget traveler category. The owner and people who run it are extremely nice and very proud of the place. When you visit, they don’t make it out to be more than it is. But we have seen their website, and we gotta say, their photographer did a great job of making this place look lush, and in some ways it is just that. But in other ways it feels run down, old and dirty. This is the kind of place that you will either love or hate. It feels geared for people who enjoy a bit of “adventure” in their accommodations and don’t like to drop a lot of cash. Let’s talk about the indoor part first. There are some long-term renters here. The private rooms are small, utilitarian, and the bathrooms need updating and could be cleaner. The small dorms are…well, dorms—and small. Below the main building there is the “Lava Pit,” which used to be the night spot in its day, with lava rock walls and bar overlooking the river. The old high metal ceiling has bare beams, and the room is open-air. There are 5 tiny private rooms, which consist of bamboo stick walls, a full-size bed, table and mosquito netting (which you will need), all set along the river’s edge. The Lava Pit dorm (in the center of room) has bunk beds covered with straw beach mats and mosquito netting. It reminded us of a refugee camp in Asia. The loud coqui frogs are a nuisance nearby—some people enjoy the sound; others may find it deafening. This is a very old building, so expect some bugs. Rooms are 160–204 sq. ft. and cost $70–$120 for two people, semi-private rooms are $45 for one person or $55 for two, indoor bunk beds are $30, Lava Pit rooms are $37 for one person or $47 for two people, Lava Pit bunks are $22. No housekeeping service except in the private rooms. Phew! Prices include taxes. This place is a moving target. The neighborhood is not the best. Located in Northern Hilo. 7-night max stay in the dorms.

Wild Ginger Inn & Hostel

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(800) 882-1887 or (808) 935-5556 100 Puueo St, Hilo

Hostel-type rooms require BYOT (bring your own towel or rent one); bedding supplied, as are lockers. No phones (two pay phone), no a/c. Everyone gets a continental breakfast. Every time we review this place it has changed. They seem to want to be all things to all people in the budget traveler category. The owner and people who run it are extremely nice and very proud of the place. When you visit, they don’t make it out to be more than it is. But we have seen their website, and we gotta say, their photographer did a great job of making this place look lush, and in some ways it is just that. But in other ways it feels run down, old and dirty. This is the kind of place that you will either love or hate. It feels geared for people who enjoy a bit of “adventure” in their accommodations and don’t like to drop a lot of cash. Let’s talk about the indoor part first. There are some long-term renters here. The private rooms are small, utilitarian, and the bathrooms need updating and could be cleaner. The small dorms are…well, dorms—and small. Below the main building there is the “Lava Pit,” which used to be the night spot in its day, with lava rock walls and bar overlooking the river. The old high metal ceiling has bare beams, and the room is open-air. There are 5 tiny private rooms, which consist of bamboo stick walls, a full-size bed, table and mosquito netting (which you will need), all set along the river’s edge. The Lava Pit dorm (in the center of room) has bunk beds covered with straw beach mats and mosquito netting. It reminded us of a refugee camp in Asia. The loud coqui frogs are a nuisance nearby—some people enjoy the sound; others may find it deafening. This is a very old building, so expect some bugs. Rooms are 160–204 sq. ft. and cost $70–$120 for two people, semi-private rooms are $45 for one person or $55 for two, indoor bunk beds are $30, Lava Pit rooms are $37 for one person or $47 for two people, Lava Pit bunks are $22. No housekeeping service except in the private rooms. Phew! Prices include taxes. This place is a moving target. The neighborhood is not the best. Located in Northern Hilo. 7-night max stay in the dorms.